Germany pushes against European veto right

Germany wants to lead the change and play a decisive role within the EU. Brussels needs to pick up the pace, especially in terms of foreign policy and common security. This was stated by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul during a speech at the 13th conference of the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation in Berlin on Wednesday, May 6.

“In recent years, Germany has been carrying the idea of changing and playing a leading role within the EU,” he said. He pointed out the veto power that allows member states to block certain proposals regarding foreign and fiscal policy. “What is the real purpose of the unanimity principle? This principle was established to ensure the most sensitive foundation of national sovereignty: foreign policy and defense,” he questioned.

Germany is advocating for a standardization of the qualified majority rule. It only requires 55% of states representing 65% of the European population for a measure not eligible for veto to be adopted. Berlin wants to prevent the EU from being “held hostage by national and foreign interests.” This stance may not sit well with the smaller and less influential member states in the European zone. France seems to be increasingly in favor of the abolition…